General Study Flashcards
(111 cards)
Define “Pathophysiology”
The “What”
The physiology behind observed pathological changes.
Define “Pathogenesis/Aetology”
The “Why”
The causal factors of diseases.
Disease is the manifestation of _____ _______.
Cell injury.
Define “Parenchyma”
Specialist cells of a specific organ.
e.g., myocardium in the heart.
Define “Stroma”
The network of connective tissue that acts as scaffolding for parenchyma.
Made of collagen and fibroblasts.
Define “Endothelial Cells”
Parenchyma cells that line the internal walls of blood vessels.
Define “Epithelial Cells”
Parenchyma cells that line the internal walls of organs other than blood vessels.
Define “Atrophy”
The reduction in cell size and function.
Define “Hypertrophy”
The increase in cell size and output.
Define “Hyperplasia”
The increased number of cells.
Define “Metaplasia”
Changes in cell morphology and function.
The cells are still recognisable, however, they are starting to look different and struggle to function.
Define “Dysplasia”
The increased number, change of morphology, and differentiation of cells.
Pre-neoplastic.
What cells produce mucus?
Goblet cells
What chemicals are released when a cell dies?
Lysosomes.
What chemical is released when endothelial cells are damaged?
Nitrous Oxide (NO)
What are “Lysosomes”?
Digestive enzymes.
What is the cellular effect of ischemia that leads to cell dysfunction and death?
The lack of oxygen restricts the cell’s ability to metabolise ATP within the mitochondria. This causes dysfunction of sodium-potassium pumps which require ATP to function. This leads to cell swelling due to water invasion within the cell. If swelling continues, the cell will burst.
What results from mechanical damage to a cell (i.e., mechanical damage to the cellular membrane)?
When the cell membrane is torn apart, extracellular ions (specifically calcium) invade the cell. This causes the release of enzymes, creating reactive oxygen species of free radicals that can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction.
How do O2 free radicals cause damage within cells?
A free radical is a molecule with an electron removed. As these move around a cell, they rip electrons from other molecules and structures and cause internal damage within the cell.
A) Which version of cell death results in inflammation, and B) why does this not occur with the other form?
A) Necrosis.
B) This does not occur with apoptosis as this includes the use of vesicles which remove the cellular debris and use enzymes to clean the area without inflammation.
What are the cardinal signs of inflammation?
- Swelling
- Heat
- Redness
- Pain
- Loss of function
What are the three main constituents of blood?
- Plasma
- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
What percentage of blood volume is A) plasma, and B) formed elements?
A) 55%
B) 45%
What three constituents of blood volume are categorised as “Formed Elements”
- Platelets
- Leukocytes
- Erythrocytes